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Baby Ritchie was born with a cleft lip and palate

Parents and families

Support services, community, and information for parents and families of children born with a cleft

Events for parents, carers and families

Join one of our free online events for parents, carers and families of children of all ages born with a cleft.
All events for parents and families

Grandparents’ Coffee Club

This event is for grandparents of a child born with a cleft lip and/or palate in the United Kingdom. If you are a parent (including those who are expecting) or carer, you are also welcome to join.

Need to talk?

CLAPA has trained volunteer parents and carers who would be happy to share their experiences and support you one-on-one.

Get in touch today to be matched up with another UK parent or carer. We'll do our best to find you someone with similar experiences.

Parent Support Service Counselling for parents and families

Your stories

Read stories and updates for parents and families of children born with a cleft
All stories

Rich’s story

Firefighter Rich recently shared his story of growing up with a cleft in CLAPA’s latest Cleft Youth Magazine.

Dealing with a cleft diagnosis

If you’ve just had a diagnosis of cleft, either at a scan or after your baby was born, it’s likely you’re full of questions and more than a few emotions.

You’ve come to the right place. CLAPA has information and support services for people affected by cleft from diagnosis through to adulthood.

I’ve had an antenatal diagnosis (before birth)

I’ve had a postnatal diagnosis (after birth)

At the 20-week scan they told us Chester’s gender, and then said we needed to see the NHS team regarding a cleft. We were so excited to find out we had a boy, and that news just took the shine off everything.

It hit us really hard and was such a nerve-wracking time. We were terrified, especially as they said cleft could be linked to more serious conditions. They explain things to you but it’s still overwhelming.
Matt's Story